DAY HIKING THE SWISS ALPS AUGUST 17-26, 2019 TRIP SUMMARY

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1 DAY HIKING THE SWISS ALPS AUGUST 17-26, 2019 TRIP SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS Hiking a diversity of the Swiss Alpine trails Staying in two lovely and quite different Swiss villages in 3 star hotels Sampling local specialties, including Alpkase (mountain cheese) and chocolate Hiking to the base of two legendary Swiss Mountains, the Eiger and the Matterhorn Taking advantage of the excellent Swiss transport system Phone: Outside the US: Fax: info@goodadventure.com

2 TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: Aug 17-26, 2019 Location: Grindelwald and Zermatt, Switzerland Cost: $3,650 Activities: Hiking Arrive: Zurich Airport (ZRH) at 9:30 AM on August 17, 2019 Depart: in Zurich anytime on August 26, 2019 TRIP OVERVIEW The Swiss Alps, with their jagged peaks and myriad trails, have long been a magnet for hikers. On this trip we'll hike some of the premiere trails in both the Berner Oberland and the Valais, returning each night to a hearty dinner and warm bed. We'll take advantage of the excellent Swiss transport system to offer shorter and longer hikes each day - you will definitely get all the hiking you want on this trip! The towns of Grindelwald and Zermatt offer lots of other possibilities too, so your most difficult decisions may be just how to spend your time. Maximum group size: 12 RATING This trip is rated both a 3 and a 4 because of the choice each day of longer or shorter hikes. No previous hiking experience is required - in fact, the Swiss Alps are a great location for learning and practicing hiking techniques. However, there is very little flat hiking so you must exercise regularly to fully enjoy the trip. You should also be free of serious knee problems and significant fear of heights. To have the option of participating in all activities offered, you might want to prepare for a rated 4 trip. Prior to beginning the trip, participants should be engaged in aerobic conditioning for at least minutes 4-5 times a week. Additional endurance exercise (e.g. going for a 2 hour hike once a week) and/or strength training is usually required. Rating: 1 2 [3] [4] 5. WHAT'S INCLUDED Two experienced Adventures in Good Company guides (if group size is 8 or more) Nine nights double occupancy accommodation All breakfasts and dinners, from dinner on August 17 through breakfast on August 26 A 30-day Half Fare Card and all other transportation required for hikes on the itinerary What's not included: Travel to and from Switzerland, beverages, lunches, guide gratuities, travel insurance, and any additional activities.

3 OUR ITINERARY Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests. D A Y 1 AUGUST 17, SATURDAY Plan to arrive Zurich not later than 8:30 AM on August 17 for an on-time group meeting of 9:30 AM. We will meet in the airport train station (connected to and directly across from the airport arrival hall) and take the train, about a 3-hour ride, to Grindelwald. We'll go through Interlaken and past the magnificent lakes of Thun and Brienz, where we change onto the mountain railroad that takes us up the Grindelwald Valley. Our hotel is near the train station and after checking in (or dropping our luggage off if it's too early), we'll start getting to know each other. We'll then have a couple of hours to explore this small town. We'll gather in the evening for a trip orientation before enjoying a four course dinner and what will likely be an early bedtime for most of us. D A Y 2 AUGUST 18, SUNDAY We spend much of today with nonstop views of the trio for which this region is known: the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau. We start the day with a cable car ride up to Mannlichen, the obvious peak across the Grindelwald Valley and known for its panoramic views of the area. We'll first walk to the top of Mannlichen Peak, about a 30- minute hike with stunning views in all directions. From there we return to a well maintained path that follows the ridge with gentle ups and downs to Kleine Scheidegg, the pass between the Grindelwald and Wengen Valleys. At this point we'll be ready to stop for lunch and consider our options, of which there are many. If it's a clear day and taking the Jungfrau Railway up to the highest train station in Europe is on your list, this is a perfect afternoon to do it. If you've had enough for the day, you can return by train to Grindelwald. Alternatively, you can hike the path that climbs the moraine ridge up to Eigergletscher (the name of the glacier on the Eiger), about 850 feet in an hour. With the Eiger always in front of you, and the glacier above and valleys below coming into view with every step, frequent stops are a must. Returning to the Kleine Scheidegg we'll take the train back down to Grindelwald for that wonderful hot shower and dinner in town. 3 to 6 hours walking; Ascent 850 feet, descent 850 to 3500 feet

4 D A Y 3 AUGUST 19, MONDAY Today we continue to experience the many options provided by the excellent Swiss Transport system. We'll start with taking the train down to Lauterbrunnen, a cable car to Grutschalp, and a train to Murren. We'll walk through the car free village of Murren, which is perched on the opposite wall of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, to the Allmendhubel funicular. At the top is an Alpine Flower garden (and the flowers will be abundant in July) and the start of the North Face Trail. The trail follows a contour around the valleys and meadows at the base of the Schilthorn with placards that describe the history and show the climbing routes of each of the north faces of the mountains. We'll stop at the Schiltalp to enjoy homemade hot soup and the local alpkase (cheese made from the milk of cows that graze in mountain meadows) for lunch. The trail loops back down to Murren, where we catch a different cable car that takes us down into the magnificent Lauterbrunnen Valley, so named because of the many waterfalls that cascade off its steep cliffs. From there we'll visit Truemmelbach waterfalls, the only waterfall in Europe actually located inside a mountain. Those who have had enough can take the bus back to Lauterbrunnen and spend some time exploring that town before returning to Grindelwald by train. Alternatively, the 2 mile walk back through the Valley is quite lovely and it is fun to watch the paragliders perform aerial tricks as they ride the updrafts. Although it may sound like we are forever on transport, the coordination of the system assures that we are quickly whisked wherever we are going - and the non-stop views along the way never stop enchanting.

5 D A Y 4 AUGUST 20, TUESDAY Both hikes today start with taking the slow and scenic cog railway up to Schynigge Platte, one of the single most scenic spots in the Jungfrau region. Those wanting a shorter hike will head uphill from the train station, climbing about 500 feet up to great views first of Interlaken and Lake Thun. As the path climbs we see Lake Brienz and the mountains rising from the Lake. The path then continues along the ridge to Oberberghorn, where we can choose whether to scramble to the summit with the aid of ladders. The reward for this is a 360-degree panorama with views that include the Jungfrau, Eiger and Monch and many other peaks. From the Oberberghorn the path descends gently to the base of Loucherhorn and then returns through alpine meadows, passing the alpine farm of Oberberg, to Schynigge Platte. There is an alpine garden and restaurant that can be visited before returning on the cog railway. This hike is about 3 hours with a 500-foot elevation ascent and descent. Those wanting a longer hike can hike along the ridge to First, by way of Faulhorn. At first the path is moderately up and down, and then starts gradually up until it reaches Berghaus-Manndlenen, a mountain hotel in a beautiful setting where lunch or refreshments are available. From here the trail climbs more steeply onto a rocky plateau and then traverses over to the Faulhorn. The Faulhorn is home to the oldest mountain hotel in Switzerland and if we have time and energy we can climb the additional 100 feet to enjoy its views and refreshments. From here the trail descends steadily all the way to First, passing the beautiful small glacial lake of Bachalpsee. Although we could choose to complete the trail down to Grindelwald on foot, the gondolas at First will save our knees and serve up fantastic views as we are whisked down in 3 stages. The hiking time for this trail is about 6 hours with 3200 feet of elevation gain and 2500 feet of elevation loss. D A Y 5 AUGUST 21, WEDNESDAY Today we bid farewell to the Berner Oberland as we take the train to the canton of Valais and the town of Zermatt, one of the most beautiful villages in Europe. Zermatt is nestled at the base of the Matterhorn, unarguably the most easily-recognized of all mountains. This car free mountain town has a unique personality that offers a great base for hiking. Arriving in early afternoon, we can either take today as a rest day from hiking or take a short, steep, and spectacular hike. For those wanting a rest day, you can explore the town and/or visit the Alpine Museum in the center of town, to help you get acquainted with alpine history as well as the history of the area. For those who want to hike today, we can hike to the Edelweiss Hotel. Built in 1898, it has the distinction of being the only building in the Trift valley that is visible from Zermatt. The lack of cable cars makes it only accessible by foot. From Zermatt it is steep uphill for about an hour to the restaurant: it's fabled carrot cake and location (it sits exposed on a rock face with a fantastic view over the town) make it well worth it. We'll return by a steep path and then all meet up to share our first dinner in Zermatt. Hiking time 0 to 3 hours, elevation gain and loss 0 to 1100 feet

6 D A Y 6 AUGUST 22, THURSDAY We begin this morning with a ride up the Sunnegga Tunnel and then to the Blauherd platform where we'll take the Seenweg trail. This trail will take us past three beautiful high mountain lakes famous for not only their beauty but for the reflection of the Matterhorn in their clear waters. The 3rd lake, Grindjisee is perfectly situated for a late lunch with plenty of opportunity for foot soaking. After lunch the trail continues through a beautiful old growth forest and on to the Gorrnergrat Railway -- the highest cogwheel railway in Europe. We will be entering the railway at one of its stations as it ascends/descends to a height of nearly 10,000 feet. Here we'll have to make one of those dreaded decisions --- up or down? Up will take us to the viewing platform at almost 10,000 feet which offers one of the finest panorama views to be had in Europe: the Monte Rosa Massif and a view over the second-largest glacier in the Alps, the Gornergletscher, as well as 29 peaks higher than 10,000 feet. There is also a restaurant, an observatory and even a shopping mall --- hard to believe! Down takes you back to Zermatt and maybe ice cream? Either way is an excellent choice. Hiking time - 3 to 6 hours, ascent 1000 feet, descent 1000 to 6000 feet D A Y 7 AUGUST 23, FRIDAY Today we head back to the Sunnega lift but his time we go all the way to the top! Up to the Rothorn Paradise platform where the views are once more amazing: down to Zermatt, over to the Matterhorn, and up to the Findelen Glacier. We continue from the top of the Rothorn to the trailhead for the Oberrothorn, the highest point that a hiker can achieve without mountaineering. The trail is short and steep and the view of the surrounding peaks and glaciers is well worth our effort. Lunch at the top will be hard to leave but as always, more beautiful vistas await us. Returning to the beginning of the trailhead we will once again have the opportunity to choose our afternoon adventure. You can return to the valley via the lift system and have a free afternoon to wander the streets, sit in the sun along the river in town, visit the museum, take the Schwarzee lift up to the Kliene Matterhorn where the Ice Palace awaits and skiers and snowboarders are playing (there's a zip line there too!) or whatever looks appealing. This afternoon just cries out for relaxation and exploration. Or, you can join your AGC guides in hiking down from the Paradise platform to the Baluherd platform and enjoying the continuous views of the Matterhorn (where you'll be hiking to tomorrow) and watching for marmots. Again -- no bad choices here! Hiking time - 3 to 6 hours depending on your choices.

7 D A Y 8 AUGUST 24, SATURDAY This is our premier hike of the week, to the base of the famous Matterhorn. We will take the Schwarzee lift as high as it goes. There is a lovely lake here and for those who have had enough hiking, it is a beautiful place just to relax. For those who want more hiking the path continues up to another plateau. And for those who still have energy we will make our way up to the Hornli Hut, the highest you can get on the Matterhorn before donning mountaineering gear. This is the hut where those planning to climb the Matterhorn spend the night and begin their ascent the following morning at 2am. We will enjoy the view, eat lunch, and actually be able to walk across the snow to the base of the beginning of the summit climb. We will regroup at Schwarzee and as before, it is possible to take the cable car back down or walk. Hiking 4-6 hours (to hut and back), ascent 2250 feet, descent or more if you hike down. D A Y 9 AUGUST 25, SUNDAY This morning we have to say goodbye to Zermatt and journey back to Zurich by train. We will arrive in time to drop our baggage off at the hotel and then return to the Zurich Old Town for an afternoon stroll with a short orientation to Zurich, and our final farewell dinner. D A Y 1 0 AUGUST 26, MONDAY Our hotel is quite close to the airport and has an airport shuttle, and you are free to leave any time.

8 ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE If you are flying into Zurich: The airport in Zurich is Zurich International Airport (ZRH). Please plan to arrive by air no later than 8:30am to insure an on time meeting with your group at 9:30am. The first group meeting is on the lower level of the train station which is connected to/across the arrival hall of the airport. If you are arriving to the Zurich train station from a pre-trip hotel and/or other European destinations: Please be sure to arrange your transportation to the Zurich train station early enough to insure an on time group meeting on the lower level of the train station at 9:30 am. Detailed information will be included in your Pre-Departure document that will be sent mid-february, If you would like help with any travel plans we recommend our travel agent Barbara Phillip, Scan East West Travel, at barbara@scaneastwest.com or call ACCOMMODATIONS In Grindelwald and Zermatt our hotels are small 3-star family run hotels, that offer great meals and warm hospitality. Both are well located near the center of town. Our hotel in Zurich is near the airport, a short train ride from central Zurich, and offers an airport shuttle so you can depart at your convenience. We will spend 4 nights at the Jungfrau Lodge in Grindelwald, 4 nights at the Hotel Bristol in Zermatt, and 1 night at the Welcome Inn in Zurich Vegetarian (and vegan) options for this trip are available although variety of meals may be limited; if you are concerned about having enough protein during your trip, please bring some plant-based protein sources such as nut butter, instant dried hummus, or high-protein energy bars. If you cannot eat gluten or if you have other dietary restrictions, you will need to bring some supplemental food with you. Please call the office so we can help you plan. WEATHER August is a wonderful month to visit Switzerland with average temperatures ranging from the mid sixties and low seventies to lows in the mid-forties at night. Very comfortable hiking weather with little rain and lots of sunshine! TRAVEL INSURANCE WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOUR COST IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR TRIP for medical reasons, trip delay, lost baggage, and other unforeseen emergencies. Adventures in Good Company will send you information about travel insurance with your registration information, or you may purchase coverage through your own insurance company. In order to avoid disappointment and expense in the event that you must cancel your trip we strongly urge you to purchase some type of insurance coverage. You can also sign up for it online at Travelex Insurance. To get the best rates, use as your location number on the Get A Quote page.

9 PACKING LIST FOOTWEAR 1 pair light/mid-weight waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support. 1 pair comfortable shoes for general use 2-3 pairs of hiking socks (wool or synthetic equivalent: Smartwool, Thorlo, Darn Tough) CLOTHING 1-2 pair of comfortable synthetic long pants for hiking - zip-offs work well 1 pairs shorts/3/4 pants (lightweight and quick drying) (unnecessary with zip-offs) 2-3 synthetic or lightweight merino wool T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts 1 lightweight, long-sleeved shirt for hiking/sun protection - button up front is the best 1 medium weight fleece or down jacket 1 pair lightweight long underwear top and bottoms: silk, wool or synthetic equivalent (Capilene, Thermastat, MTS, or polypropylene) 1 medium/lightweight top layer: wool shirt, pullover fleece or synthetic equivalent (A wool or fleece vest works well for this layer.) 1 wide brimmed or baseball style hat for protection from the sun/rain 1 rain jacket and rain pants waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex - not a lightweight plastic poncho 1 pair wool, Capilene, or Polartec gloves 1 warm/lightweight wool or fleece hat 1 buff Underwear and pajamas or whatever you like to sleep in Warm hat and gloves 1 2 changes of casual clothes to wear at end of day EQUIPMENT/ESSENTIALS Passport and a photocopy of your passport (when applicable) 1 pair Trekking poles (strongly recommended) 1 daypack (see notes on packing list for recommended capacity 1 Pack/rain Cover for your pack Capacity to carry 2 liters of water (Please see Notes on Packing List) Sunglasses (100% UV protection) w/retention strap Small headlamp or flashlight Ear plugs (for a good night s sleep!) Wristwatch/travel alarm clock 1-2 bandanas Electrical adaptor type C (EuroPlug) TOILETRIES (small everything) Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hand sanitizer, shampoo, contact lens paraphernalia, sanitary supplies Sunscreen and lip protection with sunblock of at least SPF 15 Personal first aid/patch kit - Band-Aids, 1 safety pin, moleskin, Compeed (or blister bandages), ibuprofen, any personal medications Please note: Individuals who have had or have the potential for a severe allergic reaction to insect stings, specific foods or medications must bring an epi-pen. Please consult your physician and tell your guide. OPTIONAL Small journal and pen compact binoculars Camera Favorite snack(s) Book or small game Electrical converter Washcloth (typically European linens do not include a wash cloth)

10 NOTES ON PACKING Adventures in Good Company's packing list covers everything you need to assure your safety and comfort. You may not use everything you bring; however, you need to come prepared for all possible weather conditions. At the same time, you must be able to carry your own luggage on/off trains and often up/down stairs. Daypacks: Your daypack should be large enough to hold the following items: 2 liters of water, rain gear, lunch/snacks (for the day), sun screen, warm layer (fleece pullover or vest), personal first aid kit, lightweight gloves, warm hat and personal items such as camera,etc. We recommend a daypack with a capacity of between Liters with a hip belt, padded shoulder straps, and lifters. Line your daypack with a durable plastic bag to keep your belongings dry, or have an elasticized pack cover that fits snuggly over it. Before you leave home check to be sure that it is comfortable to wear all day and has sufficient space for all of your items. Note: Fanny-packs and hydration packs are not large enough to hold all of the items you will need for the day. Pack Cover: These are waterproof, usually elasticized covers designed to go over your backpack and keep both the pack and its contents dry in case of inclement weather. Pack covers are sized. If you are purchasing a pack cover be sure to either take your pack with you or know the size cover you need. Many daypacks do come with built in pack covers. Footwear: Well-fitting, sturdy boots are very important to your safety and enjoyment. If you plan to buy new boots, break them in by wearing them around town and taking some short hikes before your trip. For general hiking, lightweight or midweight cordura or leather boots with a Vibram sole work well. If you have weak ankles or are recovering from an ankle injury, get boots that come above the ankle you ll find that this will give you more support in uneven or slippery terrain. Remember to waterproof your boots before the trip. Even boots billed as waterproof need to be treated with a waterproofing product. Clothing: The clothing listed on the packing list has been chosen for your specific trip conditions and for its versatility for layering. NO COTTON for your active wear! It should all be made from synthetic/synthetic blends, down/down blends or wool/wool blends. Layering is the most practical and efficient method of insulating the body. Several layers of varied weight materials provide better insulation than one thick Layer of clothing. Also, adding or subtracting layers allows you to adjust to the temperature at your particular level of activity. Rain Gear: You will need a parka or jacket made of a coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex, HellyTech, Membrane, H2No, or Ultrex. Be sure it keeps water out. Before making this important purchase, be sure that it fits you properly. It should be large enough to fit over all your layers. In particular, the hood needs to be effective. It should shield your face from the rain and turn with your head. Movement of your arms must not interfere with the hood. Put on your daypack; can you still raise your arms? Your wind/rain pants should be comfortable, allow enough room for your layers, and permit free movement of your legs (for example, can you crouch comfortably?). Partial or full-length leg zippers are useful for easily putting your pants on over your boots. An inexpensive plastic poncho will both leak and tear easily and is not recommended. Hydration: Being able to easily access your water without assistance so that you can drink frequently is important to your safety and enjoyment. One method is to have a water bottle attached to your waist strap. Another option is to use a HYDRATION SYSTEM, which are collapsible water bags with a hose attachment that you drink from. The bags fit inside or outside your pack with the hose positioned over your shoulder so that you can access your water as you hike. Bladder bags can hold 1-3 liters of water. Personal First Aid Kit: Bring a small first aid kit with familiar medicine and first aid supplies you might need. Recommendations include the following: blister or foot remedies like moleskin, Compeed, blister bandages, or similar, a small role of duct tape (always useful!), remedies for respiratory ailments, stomach ailments, sore muscles or joints. The guides will have a first aid kit but having what you know works well for you is a good idea. Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are highly recommended for this trip. Trekking poles contribute to your safety by improving your balance and stability, and to your health by saving stress on your hips and knees. If you are not familiar with trekking poles, read this blog post that addresses the most commonly asked questions:

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